Wireless Management System For Control Of Remote Devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a wireless remote device management system for wirelessly interfacing a plurality of remote devices (e.g., computers, servers, etc.) with one or more user workstations. Each remote device is coupled to a wireless transceiver. The user workstations may include a wireless user station coupled to a keyboard, a video monitor, and a cursor control device. Preferably the transceivers and wireless user stations use an 802.11 compatible network for communication. Additionally, a wireless access point may be utilized for centralized communications between the transceivers and user workstations. The present invention also enables the transceivers and wireless user workstations to communicate directly without the need for any additional hardware.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/799,349, which was filed on Mar. 12, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of keyboard, video,and mouse (“KVM”) over Internet Protocol (“IP”) (“KVMoIP”). Inparticular, the present invention relates to a non-intrusive solutionfor accessing and controlling remote devices, such as critical serversystems, preferably via a wireless fidelity (“WiFi”) connection. Thepresent invention captures and converts keyboard and cursor controldevice signals from a local user workstation and transmits the convertedsignals to a selected remote device. Further, the present inventioncaptures, digitizes, and compresses video from the selected remotedevice and transmits it with keyboard and cursor control device signalsfrom the remote device to a local user workstation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a typical computer environment, a Local Area Network (“LAN”) allowsfor one or more computer servers to be connected to several computerssuch that the resources of each server are available to each of theconnected computers. The LAN is typically comprised of networkingequipment such as routers, hubs, switches, etc. In this networkedenvironment, a dedicated keyboard, video monitor and mouse may beemployed for each computer and server.

To maintain proper operation of the LAN, the system administrator mustmaintain and monitor the individual networking equipment, servers, andcomputers. This maintenance frequently requires the system administratorto perform numerous tasks from a user console connected to thenetworking equipment, server, or computer. For example, to reboot acomputer or to add or delete files, the system administrator is oftenrequired to operate the server or computer from its local user console,which may be located at a substantial distance from the systemadministrator's computer and from other computers or servers connectedto the LAN. Therefore, to accomplish the task of system administration,the system administrator must often physically relocate to access thelocal user consoles of remotely located servers and computers.

As an alternative, dedicated cables may be installed from each remotelylocated server and computer to the system administrator's user consoleto allow the system administrator to fully access and operate the remotecomputer equipment. However, this alternative requires substantialwiring and wire harnessing, both of which may require tremendous cost.Additionally, there is generally an inverse relationship between thedistance from the system administrator's user console to the remotecomputer equipment and the quality of the transmitted signal (i.e., asthe distance increases the quality of the transmitted signal decreases).Thus, dedicated cables between the system administrator's user consoleand remote computer equipment may not be a feasible alternative.

In some situations, it is desirable to manage the networking equipment,servers, and computers remotely located from the system administrator.For example, a software program such as pcAnywhere may be utilized toaccess a remote computer over the Internet or a LAN utilizing thekeyboard, video monitor, and cursor control device (e.g., a mouse)attached to a local user workstation. Remote computer access programstypically require that host software installed on the remote computerand client software installed on the user workstation. To access aremote computer, a user of the user workstation selects the desiredremote computer from a list and enters the appropriate user name andpassword. Once access has been granted to the remote computer, the userutilizes the keyboard, video monitor, and cursor control device attachedto the local user workstation to access and operate the remote computer.

Hardware solutions also exist for operating a remote computer from auser workstation over a LAN or through a dedicated network. In contrastto the software solutions, the hardware solutions do not typicallyrequire host or client software. Instead, the hardware solutionstypically utilize a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (“KVM”) switchaccessible over a LAN via a common protocol, such as Transfer ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”). Generally, a user or systemadministrator accesses the remote computers attached to the KVM switchvia an Internet browser or client software associated with the KVMswitch. Once the remote computer has been selected, the remotecomputer's video signal is routed to the user workstation's videomonitor and a user may then utilize a keyboard and mouse to control theremote computer. The KVM switch may additionally include a connection tothe power source of the remote computer for a hard reboot in case ofsystem failure.

The aforementioned hardware and software solutions generally utilize acompression algorithm to reduce the necessary bandwidth required totransmit the video signals. For example, the wireless remote networkmanagement system of the present invention may utilize the compressionalgorithm disclosed in application Ser. No. 10/898,001, which isincorporated in its entirety herein by reference, to reduce and compressthe digital data that must be transmitted from remote devices withvideo. Alternatively, the system of the present invention may utilizestandard video compression algorithms such as MPEG-2 or MPEG-4.

A KVM switching-system may be utilized to allow one or more userworkstations to select and control any one of a plurality of remotecomputers, such as servers, via a central switching unit. Such systemsare well known in the art and have been used by system administratorsfor several years. KVM switching systems allow system users to controlremote computers using one or more local user workstations' keyboard,video monitor, and cursor control device as if these local devices aredirectly connected to the remote computer. In this manner, a system usermay access and control any of a plurality of remote computers from asingle location (i.e., the location of the user workstation). The systemuser may select a specific remote computer to access and control usingany one of a variety of methods known in the art including pushing abutton that corresponds with the desired remote computer and is locatedon the face of a computer management system component, selecting thecomputer from a list displayed on a computer management systemcomponent's LCD or LED display, pressing one or more “hot keys” on thelocal user workstation's keyboard (e.g., F1, ALT-F1, F2, etc.),selecting the remote computer from a list displayed on the userworkstation's monitor by pointing to it or scrolling to it using theuser workstation's keyboard or cursor control device.

Recently, KVM devices have begun utilizing Internet Protocol (“IP”) inorder to allow users at a local computer to communicate with and controlremote devices. Keyboard, Video, and Mouse over Internet Protocol(“KVMoIP”) technology utilizes conventional network infrastructures topermit remote access and control of computers and other devices.

KVMoIP devices offer several advantages over traditional KVM switches.In traditional KVM switches, one generally has to run cables from eachserver to switch chassis, then run more dedicated cables fromswitch-to-switch, and run still more cables from switches to eachend-user console. The cabling is not only costly, but also laborious andrequires both effort and knowledge in larger systems. Additionally,space becomes a consideration as these systems generally take up a largeamount of room. KVMoIP systems offer a simplified solution to thiscabling problem. The KVMoIP equipment can be anywhere the computers are,with short cables from the KVMoIP unit to the local computers. Only oneCAT5 cable need be run from the KVMoIP unit to an Ethernet hub.

Additionally, KVMoIP systems make it easier to add more computers to theexisting network. When computers need to be added, they do not have tobe located in the same room or even same building as in traditionalanalog based KVM equipment. All that is necessary is to plug in theKVMoIP unit into an accessible network. This design eliminates the needfor more switch-to-switch wire runs, or other cable extenders.

KVMoIP devices generally connect directly to an IP network via a NetworkInterface Card (“NIC”). Users accessing the KVMoIP device can select oneor more of the switch inputs at any time and a number of independentuser sessions are supported. In traditional KVM switches, only oneswitch computer can be displayed at any time.

Many KVMoIP systems incorporate software, which is often proprietary andfeatures one or more methods of accessing a KVMoIP device. Other systemsknown in the art access KVMoIP devices via web browsers, Virtual NetworkComputing (“VNC”) clients, etc. Generally, local consoles, dial-up, andserial connections offer a backup.

There has also been a proliferation of wireless technologies to enablecomputers to communicate and share resources. For example, the Bluetoothand IEEE 802.11 standards are two rapidly developing technologies thatallow computers to wirelessly communicate. Devices are commerciallyavailable that comply with the 802.11 standard and enable wirelessTCP/IP communications over distances of up to three hundred (300) feet.For example, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association(“PCMCIA”) wireless cards enable laptops to communicate utilizing theTCP/IP protocol. Further, many newer laptops come standard with wirelesscommunication access devices. 802.11 compatible wireless local areanetworks (“WLANs”) are now often utilized in lieu of, or in conjunctionwith, LANs. Bluetooth devices are generally utilized for shorter-rangecommunication, utilizing lower transmission rates than 802.11 compliantdevices.

The 802.11 standard, ratified by the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (“IEEE”) in 1997, is a wireless communicationsstandard generally utilized for networking, file sharing and Internetconnection sharing. In 1999, two extensions to the 802.11 standard wereadded, 802.11a and 802.11b. The 802.11a standard operates in a frequencyrange of 5 Gigahertz (GHz) at speeds of up to 54 Megabits per second(Mbps). The 802.11b standard, was designed to be more affordable, andoperates in the 2.4 GHz range at speeds of up to 11 Mbps. With theproliferation of 802.11b devices, the 802.11g standard was recentlyratified which allows for 802.11a speeds in 802.11b compatiblefrequencies.

All 802.11 standards allow for computers to communicate wirelesslywithout the need for hubs, routers, switches, etc. The 802.11 standardallows for the creation of WLANs, which use the same TCP/IPcommunication protocols as traditional wired LANs. With commerciallyavailable wireless communication devices, two computers can communicatefrom up to three hundred (300) feet away, although with repeaters,stronger antennae, signal boosters, etc., this range may be increased.Today, wireless networks are available in airports, coffee shops,college campuses, etc.

Importantly, the 802.11 standard allows for at least two differentnetwork configurations: (1) an infrastructure mode in which all trafficpasses through a wireless access point, and (2) an “ad-hoc” mode (or“peer-to-peer” mode) in which computers communicate without any centraldevice. Independent of the mode, the 802.11 standard supports wirelessnetworks that offer the same communications (e.g., TCP/IP, file sharing,Internet sharing, etc.) as a wired connection.

In the infrastructure mode, devices communicate through a wirelessaccess point. An access point is similar to a hub, or router (butwithout wires), in that it receives and transmits all data betweenwireless devices. Advantages of the infrastructure mode includeincreased scalability, increased range of communication, and access to awired network. Specifically, by adding access points, the network cangrow without undo burden on any one device. An access point can also beutilized to increase the range of communications. Cascading accesspoints and signal boosters can overcome the three hundred (300) footcommunication limit of most 802.11 devices. Finally, traditional accesspoints also offer access to a wired network. Therefore, aninfrastructure network easily adapts to communicate with an Ethernet LANor an Internet connection.

An ad-hoc network is more dynamic—it can be created and torn-down easilywithout any additional hardware. Computers can enter and leave thenetwork so long as the computer is configured to access a wirelessnetwork with the same service set identifier (“SSID”) as the othercomputers in the network. Generally, an SSID is a sequence ofalphanumeric characters that identifies the ad-hoc network. An ad-hocnetwork also has the advantage that it requires no external hardware andcan be created with multiple computers alone, so long as each computerhas a WiFi compatible communications device.

An important feature of the 802.11 standard is the availability ofmultiple channels of communications, utilizing Direct Sequence SpreadSpectrum (“DSSS”) technology. DSSS allows for the transmission of dataover a range of frequencies thus decreasing the power utilized at anyone frequency. Therefore, DSSS allows for fast communications withlittle interference and permits an 802.11 network to include multiplecommunications channels. Further, the wireless network can co-exist withother wireless devices that operate in similar frequency ranges.

Generally, in an ad-hoc network, one of the available channels (the FCCcurrently allows for eleven (11) total channels) is utilized as a“broadcast” channel. The broadcast channel allows devices to “discover”other devices in range of communication and to transmit messages thatare received by all devices. Thus, the broadcast channel is a criticalfeature of the 802.11 standard that allows for the creation of ad-hocnetworks in which devices can automatically join and leave the network.The network then utilizes one of a variety of algorithms such as aspokesman election algorithm (“SEA”) or a broadcast/flooding algorithmfor all other communications. In SEA, one computer is “elected” to headthe network and tracks the addition of other computers to and from thenetwork. In a broadcast/flooding algorithm, generally all messages aresent to all computers. If an access point is utilized, then no suchalgorithms are necessary, and instead, the access point may be utilizedto ensure that all messages reach the correct destination.

Systems that enable wireless access of a remote computer are currentlyknown in the art of computer management. For example, one such systemcomprises a single receiver and a single transmitter that, together,allow a user to access a remote computer using a keyboard, videomonitor, and mouse. In this system, both the receiver and thetransmitter are enabled for wireless communication. The receiver,coupled to the keyboard and mouse, receives keyboard and mouse data andwirelessly transmits this data to the transmitter. The transmitter iscoupled to a remote computer and supplies the data to the keyboard andmouse ports of this remote computer. Simultaneously, the transmitterreceives video data from the remote computer and transmits this datawirelessly to the receiver where it is displayed on the video monitorcoupled to the receiver. Thus, this system enables extended lengthaccess of a single remote computer through a wireless connection.

Another known system consists of a switching device for controllingmultiple remote computers where the switching device comprises awireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The switching device isconfigured to enable a user to select from among multiple computingdevices and wirelessly link a peripheral device with a selectedcomputing device for user interaction. In this system, the switchingdevice initially develops a list of available computing devices. A userchooses from this list and the switching device establishes a wirelesslink with the corresponding computing device. Thus, this wireless switchonly enables one connection between a user and a remote computer at anyinstance. Further, each of the computing devices must also have wirelesscommunications capabilities to enable wireless communication with theswitch.

A method for switching the utilization of a shared set of wirelessinput/output (“I/O”) devices between multiple computers is also known.This method includes the utilization of a software-based switchingmechanism where wireless protocols enable the sharing of wirelessperipheral devices between multiple computers. A wireless data packet (a“token”) is utilized to transfer control of the I/O devices utilizing amaster/slave relationship for the transfer of control. The token is thecomputer-to-computer wireless command utilized to transfer control of awireless peripheral device from one device to another. Thus, in thisknown system, server-to-server communications are necessary fortransferring the control of a wireless peripheral. Further, in thissystem only one computer can control a set of wireless peripherals at atime.

In another known system for accessing computer systems in a computernetwork, each computer system provides and receives operator interfacedata signals containing user output and input information. Central tothis system is a wireless administrator device that allows a systemoperator to remotely control a plurality of computer systemsinterconnected through a communications network. The wirelessadministrator device includes a wireless communications module thatoperates in “transmit” and “receive” modes to communicate with thewireless communication modules coupled to the computer systems. Thewireless administrator device includes an operator interface with avideo display, mouse and keyboard to enable user interaction in aselection mode or a control mode. The interface includes a manualconnect button that allows the administrator to display on the video alist of available computer systems that may be accessed. Upon selectionof a computer, the administrator remotely controls the computer throughthe operator interface.

Finally, systems are also known that provide a wireless interfacebetween a remote host computer and a personal digital assistant (“PDA”).In one such system, the PDA presents the user with a graphical userinterface (“GUI”) allowing for input by way of a passive stylus, whichcan be used in a pen or mouse mode. The PDA also includes a transceiverthat communicates wirelessly with the transceiver of a remote computer.The transceivers allow the wireless device to access the remote hostcomputer over a wireless LAN or through a peer-to-peer network. Thesystem also allows a user to view available remote host computersthrough the GUI of the wireless device and to access the programs andfiles of the remote computer. The remote computer in turn, transmitsdisplay commands to the wireless device. A similar system utilizesBluetooth communications to enable a PDA to recognize and identify allcompliant remote devices by transmitting a broadcast message that isreceived by compliant remote devices. In this system, the PDA includes aGUI to display a rendering of a mechanism that can be utilized tocontrol a remote device. For example, the rendering might be of anon/off switch. The PDA receives input from a stylus, and translates thisinput into a command for the remote device.

In view of the foregoing, a need clearly exists for a wireless remotenetwork management system capable of non-intrusive, secure, wirelessoperation and control of networking equipment, servers, computers, andother remote devices. Furthermore, such as system should enable digitalremote KVM access via IP networks such as WLAN, LAN, and the Internet.The system should also allow a user to view all available remotecomputers via an on-screen user interface and to choose one of thesecomputers to monitor and control. Finally, the system should capture,digitize, compress and transmit video with keyboard and mouse signals toand from a variety of remote devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is often convenient to control one or more connected computers fromone local set of peripheral devices (i.e., keyboard, video monitor,cursor control device, etc.). Since the majority of computers in usetoday incorporate or are designed to be compatible with commonly knownand used computer technologies (e.g., IBM, Apple, Sun, etc.), manycomputers use identical or similar electrical connectors to connect aperipheral device. Also, a computer typically contains a dedicatedelectrical connector for each type of peripheral device to which thecomputer will be connected. Generally, the cables connecting suchperipheral devices to a computer are approximately six (6) feet inlength, thereby limiting the distance from the computer at which theperipheral devices may be located.

In many circumstances, it is desirable to separate the peripheraldevices from the computer due to space constraints. However, one skilledin the art may readily appreciate that separating a computer from itsperipheral devices may make it difficult to locate the remote computersbecause they are commonly located in another area of the building, suchas in a data center, server-farm, etc. Unless each device is clearlylabeled, there exists no means of differentiating computers withouttheir attached peripheral devices.

In addition to extending the distance between a computer and itsperipheral devices, it is also convenient to access and operate morethan one computer from one set of peripheral devices. Again, thisfeature is desirable when space is limited. It may also be desirable toaccess a computer through wireless communications. In many situations itis difficult to run wires from the location of a server to its set ofperipherals. Further, the utilization of longer wires necessarily leadsto the degradation of the signals transmitted. For example, the highfrequency components of such transmitted signals are often severelyattenuated.

The present invention provides a wireless remote computer managementsystem for administrating remote computers and devices from one or morelocal workstations, which may be any workstation with Internetconnectivity. Examples of workstations, include, but are not limited to,desktop computers, laptops, PDAs, and tablet PCs. The present inventionmay include a network switch or hub for connectivity to the LAN. Anaccess point is preferably utilized to increase the scalability of theinvention. The access point may be further connected to a hub, switch,router, etc. as necessary. The present invention also enables users toaccess and control remote devices via the Internet.

In the system of the present invention, a user workstation preferablycomprises a wireless-enabled user station (“WUST”) coupled to peripheraldevices such as a keyboard, monitor, and cursor control device (e.g., amouse). The WUST utilizes wireless communications to communicate with awireless-enabled computer interface module (“WCIM”), which is interfacedwith a remote computer via one or more access points. Further, the WCIMincludes wireless capabilities and connects to the keyboard, monitor andcursor control device ports of a remote computer. It is foreseeable thatother connections may be included as necessary to interface withdifferent remote devices. The WCIM is compatible with both ad-hoc andinfrastructure networks and operates within a broadcast or non-broadcastmode. The present invention allows a user to view a list of availableremote computers and other devices and to select a remote device fromthis list for control. In ad-hoc mode, the list may be automaticallyupdated as remote devices enter or exit the wireless network.

In the present invention, each remote device (e.g., networkingequipment, server, computer, etc.) is preferably connected to a WCIM.The WCIM may also have serial ports for connection to the networkingequipment as well as keyboard, video, and cursor control device portsfor connection to the servers and computers. Additionally, the WCIM maycontain Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) ports, parallel ports, etc., and aport for connection to a power supply capable of controlling the powerto the networking equipment, server, or computer. Standard cabling isutilized to connect the networking equipment, server, or computer to theappropriate ports on the WCIM. The WCIM is preferably powered via theremote device it is connected to, thus requiring no additional powersources or cabling. Alternatively, the WCIM may be powered by a powerpack included within the WCIM or via a power supply connected to theWCIM. It is foreseeable that the WCIM may be internal to the remotedevice (e.g., internal to a server) thus alleviating any power issuesthat arise with an external WCIM design.

Central to the present invention is the wireless communications thatenable the WUSTs to communicate with the WCIMs. Preferably, the WUST andWCIM utilize 802.11 protocol, such as 802.11b/g/a, and 802.11 complianthardware to communicate via one or more access points, switches,routers, etc. through a wireless network. This communication is utilizedby the WUST to request a connection to the WCIM, and upon completion ofthe connection, to receive compressed video data from the WCIM. In turn,the WUST sends data including keyboard and cursor control device datapackets, serial data, USB control data, etc. to the WCIM via thenetwork. The WCIM utilizes this data to emulate mouse, keyboard, USB,etc., signals to the associated remote device. In ad-hoc mode, the WUSTand WCIM may communicate directly. Utilizing this communication, theWUSTs are automatically “aware” of all available remote computerscoupled to WCIMs.

The user workstation requests connection to a remote device connected toa WCIM via the access point. After the request is granted, the WCIMreceives video signals from the remote computer, digitizes andcompresses the video signals, and transmits compressed video informationto the user workstation via an access point. The information may betransmitted over a network, the Internet, etc. In turn, the userworkstation (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop, PDA, tablet PC, etc.)transmits keyboard and cursor control device data to the WCIM via anetwork through an access point. The WCIM uses this data to provideemulated keyboard and cursor control device data to the keyboard andcursor control device ports of the remote computer. The user workstationdecompresses the video information and provides video signals to thelocal monitor. In this manner, a user of the workstation can control theremote computer by utilizing the local keyboard and cursor controldevice, while viewing video signals from the remote computer on thelocal monitor.

In ad-hoc mode, the WUST and WCIM utilize the broadcast channel to setup a connection. The WUST requests a connection by sending a messageover the broadcast channel, and the WCIM either accepts or denies therequest. After a connection is established, the WUST and WCIMcommunicate on a non-broadcast channel. Preferably, this channel isselected by the WUST and identified as part of a request message.

An important feature of the present invention is the ability to displaya list of available remote devices to a user on the user's localmonitor. A variety of methods may be utilized to generate and displaythe option menu. Preferably, the WUST includes a central processing unit(“CPU”) that generates an option menu. Alternatively, an on-screendisplay (“OSD”) processor may be utilized. In one embodiment the WUSTcan be implemented as a purely software solution, and can be run on anycomputer, laptop, PDA, etc. that has wireless (802.11) communicationcapabilities. In this embodiment, the option menu may be implemented aspart of the WUST software, and may take advantage of existing APIs todisplay the option menu in a user-friendly fashion.

In infrastructure mode, the WUST and WCIM communicate through an accesspoint, or a wireless KVM switch. Importantly, the wireless KVM switchmay be a hybrid switch thus supporting both wired and wirelessconnections. In this configuration, a WUST can communicate with a WCIM,even if the WCIM does not have wireless capabilities. That is, the WCIMcan connect to the hybrid switch utilizing traditional cabling, and, inturn, the switch can communicate over an 802.11 connection with theWUST. Also, this configuration enables users at workstations to behardwired to the hybrid switch and thus access and control remotedevices connected to a WCIM. Because both the wired and wirelesscommunication devices utilize TCP/IP communications, the hybrid switchdoes not need to interpret or translate the data. Another advantage ofthe utilization of an access point is the ability of the access point toconnect to the Internet. Thus, a user workstation with Internetconnectivity can connect to the access point remotely and in turn,control a remote device. In this embodiment there is no restriction onthe location of the user workstation. Further, the user workstation isnot required to have wireless capabilities.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved wireless device management system that enables a user tocontrol remote computers and other remote devices from local userworkstations.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide digital remoteKVM access via IP networks such as a LAN, WLAN, or the Internet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide non-intrusiveremote access and control of remote devices.

It is still another object of the present invention to require noadditional software to run on the remote device in order to eliminateany potential interference with the remote device's operation or networkperformance.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wirelessdevice management system that allows one or more local user workstationsto access and control remote devices utilizing an infrastructure orad-hoc wireless network mode.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a secure,wireless device management system that allows a local user workstationto wirelessly control a remote device utilizing a local keyboard andcursor control device, and to wirelessly receive video signals from theremote device.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide awireless KVM network that enables a user workstation to provide a listof available remote computers and devices.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a securemodular, wireless, device management system that allows one or more setsof peripheral devices to access and operate one or more remote computersas if the local peripheral devices were directly connected to the remotedevices.

A different object of the present invention is to operate underbroadcast and non-broadcast modes.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to allowinformation technology (“IT”) personnel to easily manage a volume ofservers for both small-scale and large-scale computer centers such asdata-centers, server-farms, web-hosting facilities, and call-centers.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide awireless modular computer management system that eliminates the need fora set of peripheral devices for each remote computer thereby minimizingthe space required to house the remote computers.

It is yet another object of the present invention to be platformindependent thus simultaneously supporting a variety of platforms.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to automaticallysense video resolution to optimize screen capture.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide highperformance mouse tracking and synchronization.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention enable a DHCP orstatic configuration.

Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, all of which form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained byreference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations ofthe accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merelyexemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both theorganization and method of operation of the invention, in general,together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be moreeasily understood by reference to the drawings and the followingdescription. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of thisinvention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims asappended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplifythe invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the wireless remote devicemanagement system according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating the connection of user workstations to a remotecomputer, where each user workstation is coupled to a keyboard, monitorand cursor control device and each remote computer is directly connectedto a wireless-enabled computer interface module (“WCIM”).

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a wireless-enabled user station(“WUST”) as shown in FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention illustrating a block diagram of the internal structureof the WUST and connectors for a keyboard, video monitor, and cursorcontrol device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the WCIM shown in FIG. 1according to the preferred embodiment of the present inventionillustrating a block diagram of the internal structure of the WCIM andconnectors for a keyboard port, a video monitor port, and a cursorcontrol device port.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the remote device managementsystem in ad-hoc mode illustrating the wireless connection of a userworkstation to a remote device, where each user workstation comprises aWUST coupled to a keyboard, monitor and cursor control device and eachremote device is directly connected to a WCIM.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart that details the exchange of information betweena WCIM and WUST to setup a connection between a user workstation and aremote device in ad-hoc mode.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the remote device managementsystem according to an alternate embodiment of the present inventionillustrating the connection of multiple remote devices to one compositeWCIM, which communicates wirelessly to multiple WUSTs.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the composite WCIM shown in FIG.6 illustrating a block diagram of the internal structure of thecomposite WCIM and connectors for multiple keyboard ports, video monitorports, and cursor control device ports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present inventionis disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operatingstructures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in awide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite differentfrom those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the bestembodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for theclaims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment(as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted is the architecture of the preferredwireless remote device management system in accordance with the presentinvention. The system shown includes multiple wireless user workstations100 each having a wireless-enabled user station (WUST 115) coupled to akeyboard 119, video monitor 117, and cursor control device 121. EachWUST 115 includes a wireless communications device 113 that ispreferably an 802.11 compliant device, although other known standardsmay be utilized. The system also includes a plurality of remote devices101. For simplicity, only two (2) user workstations 100 and three (3)remote devices 101 are shown. However, one of skill in the art willreadily appreciate that the present invention may include many more userworkstations 100 and remote devices 101. Further, the remote devices maybe of several types, including but not limited to, computers, servers,network printers, and other networking devices.

Each remote device 101 is directly connected to an associated wirelesscomputer interface module (WCIM 105). Each WCIM 105 has a wirelesscommunications device 107 to communicate with access point 111 and oneof a plurality of WUSTs 115. Although only one access point 111 isshown, a plurality of access points may be implemented within thesystem. Preferably, in such a configuration, the access points arecascaded to increase the distance of communication.

During operation, WUST 115, using wireless communications device 113,communicates wirelessly with any one of the plurality of WCIMs 105 overa network through access point 111. Specifically, WUST 115 transmitskeyboard and cursor control device signals, preferably as TCP/IP datapackets, over wireless communications path 109 to a select WCIM 105 viaaccess point 111. Simultaneously, WCIM 105 transmits compressed videodata signals along with keyboard and cursor control device signals asnecessary, also preferably as TCP/IP data packets, over wirelesscommunications path 109 to WUST 115. Thus, the system of the presentinvention enables a user at user workstation 100 to view and control anyone of a plurality of remote devices 101 via wireless communicationspath 109.

Although 802.11 compliant wireless communications is the preferredwireless standard for use with the present invention, other types ofwireless connections such as 802.15.3, infrared, or Bluetooth compliantcommunications may be utilized, depending on the specific needs of thesystem user. The 802.11 standard enables communications over extendeddistances where the speed of the signal can automatically be reduced asthe distance increases thus avoiding excessive degradation of thesignal. Additionally, standard radio communications utilized in 802.11standards do not require line-of-site communications. Finally, the802.11 standard enables the system of the present invention to utilizeTCP/IP communications, therefore enabling the establishment of a WLANnetwork without extensive software development.

Regardless of the type of wireless network utilized, one of primarypurposes of the present invention is to allow a user at a userworkstation 100 (as well as at user workstations 102 and 104 asdiscussed below) to select and subsequently control a remote device 101.This selection may be accomplished through a variety of methods. In oneembodiment, a menu or list of available remote devices 101 is displayedon the screen of video monitor 117. WUST 115 can utilize informationprovided by the wireless network to update the option menu displayed tothe user with a list of available remote devices. The WCIM 105automatically senses the video resolution of remote device 101 to enablethe best possible screen capture. Additionally, the option menu may givethe user the ability to manually adjust video settings to improve thequality of the transmitted video. In ad-hoc mode, the WCIMs 105 andWUSTs 115 can automatically “discover” other devices within range ofcommunications.

Also connected to access point 111 is switch 125 via connection 123.Connection 123 is generally a hardwired connection such as a standardCAT5 cable. Although shown separately for the purposes of the drawing,access point 111 and switch 125 may be easily integrated into a wirelessaccess point router. Switch 125 also supports Internet connectivity. Forexample, switch 125 may include a NIC to connect to Internet 129 throughInternet connection 126, which may be a cable modem, DSL line, T1 line,etc. Advantageously, this connection allows remote access from any userworkstation equipped with Internet connectivity. For example, userworkstation 104 (comprising video monitor 117, computer 133, keyboard119, and cursor control device 121) is connected to Internet 129 throughInternet connection 131. User workstation 104 can thus access andcommunicate with switch 125 utilizing TCP/IP protocol. Hence, userworkstation 104 can communicate with any remote device 101, regardlessof the location or wireless capabilities of user workstation 104.

Switch 125 is also connected to user workstation 102 via hardwiredconnection 127, which is preferably CAT5 cabling. User workstation 102(comprising video monitor 117, keyboard 119, cursor control device 121,and computer 131) can manage and control any of the plurality of remotedevices 101. Further, user workstation 102 bi-directionally communicateswith and controls any one of the plurality of remote devices 101.Although only one (1) user workstation 102 and 104 is shown, one ofskill in the art will readily appreciate that the present inventionenables remote access via a multitude of user workstations 102 and 104.User workstations 102 and 104 preferably utilize an on-screen menu aspreviously discussed to control remote devices 101.

Referring next to FIG. 2, depicted is a block diagram of the preferredembodiment of WUST 115. WUST 115 interfaces with video monitor 117,keyboard 119, and cursor control device 121 (although other peripheraldevices may also be used such as USB peripherals, serial devices, etc.)in order to control any of a plurality of remote devices 101. Keyboard119, video monitor 117, and cursor control device 121 are preferablyconnected to keyboard port 201, video port 203 and cursor control deviceport 205 of WUST 115, respectively, using industry standard connectorsand cabling. For example, the keyboard and cursor control device may beconnected utilizing PS/2 connectors, serial connectors, USB connectors,etc. Monitors are typically connected to a computer through a DB-15port, but may be connected utilizing other connectors as necessary.

During operation, WUST CPU 207 receives the keyboard and cursor controldevice signals generated by keyboard 119 and cursor control device 121,respectively, at the local user workstation 100 via keyboard port 201and cursor control device port 205, respectively. WUST CPU 207interprets these signals and generates data packets that include datarepresentative of the keyboard and cursor control device informationfrom the received keyboard and cursor control device signals. The datapackets are combined with other information (such as destinationinformation) and are included in TCP/IP communications sent by wirelessdevice 113 over wireless communications path 109 to access point 111 andsubsequently to WCIM 105 also via wireless communications path 109.Wireless device 113 may receive the packets from CPU 207 through abuffer (i.e., buffer-out 209). Alternatively, CPU 207 may directlyconnect to wireless device 113.

Keyboard and cursor control device signals may be transmittedbi-directionally in the wireless remote device management system of thepresent invention. That is, these signals can also be transmitted fromremote device 101 to user workstation 100. In this direction oftransmission, keyboard and cursor control device signals are received aspart of the data transmitted to wireless device 113 over wirelesscommunications path 109, and can be temporarily stored in buffer-in 211.WUST CPU 207 uses this information to emulate or interpret the keyboardand cursor control device signals from remote device 101. These signalscan be utilized to, inter alia, determine if the remote device isresponsive to the user's cursor control device and keyboard.

Unidirectional digital compressed video signals are received by wirelessdevice 113 as part of TCP/IP data. As discussed below (FIG. 3), WCIM 105includes hardware and software to digitize and compress video receivedfrom remote device 101. This compressed data is received by wirelessdevice 113, and may be temporarily stored in buffer-in 211. WUST CPU 207receives the compressed video data and transmits this data to videoconditioning circuit 204 where it is decompressed and converted to ananalog format compatible with video monitor 117. The system of thepresent invention may utilize the decompression method described inapplication Ser. No. 10/898,001. The analog video data is sent to videomonitor 117 through video port 203.

The user selects a device for control by choosing from the devices onthe menu. Preferably, WUST CPU 207 is a general-purpose processor thatcan be programmed to output an option menu to monitor 117. Ageneral-purpose processor can utilize existing application programinterfaces (“APIs”) to present a user-friendly (e.g., with extensivegraphics) interface to the user. Alternatively, the option menu can begenerated by circuitry within WUST 115. For example, WUST 115 mayinclude an OSD processor. The OSD can be instructed by a microprocessorto display a list of available remote devices 101. However, because mostcommercially available OSDs are character based, providing only arudimentary interface to the user, a general-purpose processor ispreferred.

One of skill in the art will recognize that similar communication occursbetween remote devices 101 and user workstations 102 and 104. For thesake of brevity, discussion of this communication is omitted.

A feature of the present invention is the ability to include a list ofremote devices that are available for control. Preferably, the list isgenerated utilizing identification information transmitted with amessage by WCIM 105 to access point 111. For example, the identificationinformation may include the name of the remote device, the type ofdevice, or other identification information (e.g., the IP address of thedevice). This identification information can also be used to logicallyarrange the available remote devices 101 in groups or trees to presentan efficient interface for the user to search for and select a remotedevice. The option menu may also display information about devicescurrently controlled by other user workstations.

To switch to another connected device, the user preferably depresses a“hotkey” on keyboard 119 such as “printscreen” or “F1” on keyboard 119at any one of user workstations 100, 102, or 104. This causes the userworkstation to display the option menu on video monitor 117 thusallowing a user to select a new remote device 101. The option menu mayrefresh every time a user wishes to be interfaced with a differentremote device 101 or any time the list is updated.

Although depicted as a hardware device, WUST 115 may be a standardpersonal computer, laptop, PDA, tablet PC, etc. that utilizes a standardoperating system such as Microsoft Windows, UNIX, LINUX, etc. In thisembodiment, WUST 115 is a computer equipped with wireless capabilities.Video monitor 117, keyboard 119, and cursor control device 121communicate with WUST 115 utilizing standard connections well known inthe art. Instead of utilizing WUST CPU 207, the functionality of WUST115 is implemented as a software program. Specifically, the softwareprogram utilizes WLAN capabilities to determine what remote devices 101are available. The software receives messages from its wirelessconnection and generates an option menu for the user.

An advantage of a software based implementation is that standardsoftware APIs can be utilized to generate the option menu. Further, themenu may have a look and feel that is more familiar to the user (e.g.,if Microsoft development software or Java APIs are utilized, the menuwill resemble other Windows or Java applications). Utilizing commonlyavailable APIs, the option menu can have graphics, icons, pull-downmenus, etc. to present a user-friendlier interface.

As with the hardware solution, the software recognizes the user'sselection of remote device 101, and transmits a request to theappropriate WCIM 105. The WCIM 105 can accept or deny the request. Ifthe request is accepted, the WCIM 105 and WUST 115 communicate over anetwork.

Referring next to FIG. 3, depicted is the preferred embodiment of WCIM105 according to the present invention. WCIM 105 includes KVM port 301to communicate with video port 303, keyboard port 305, and cursorcontrol device port 307 of remote device 101. During normal operation,WCIM 105 receives unidirectional video signals from remote device 101through cable 103. If remote device 101 is not a device with video(e.g., a network printer), one of skill in the art will recognize thatno video is transmitted. WCIM 105 also transmits keyboard and cursorcontrol device signals to keyboard port 305 and cursor control port 307through cable 103. Alternatively, each of video port 303, keyboard port305 and cursor control device port 307 can be connected to WCIM 105utilizing separate cables for each port. Additional connections, e.g.,serial, USB, parallel port, etc. may also be utilized.

Keyboard and cursor control device signals are wirelessly transmittedbi-directionally between remote device 101 and WUST 115. Video signalsare preferably unidirectionally transmitted from remote device 101 toWUST 115 (assuming remote device 101 includes video). In certaincircumstances, however, video signals may be bi-directionallytransmitted. To accomplish the transmission of video, keyboard, andcursor control device data, WCIM 105 preferably includes videoconditioning circuit 309, WCIM CPU 311, buffer-in 313, buffer-out 315,UART 317, memory 319, and wireless device 107. Wireless device 107enables WCIM 105 to communicate over wireless communications path 109with a WUST 115 via access point 111.

During operation, video signals are transmitted from video port 303 ofremote device 101 to KVM port 301 of WCIM 105 via cable 103. From KVMport 301, the unidirectional video signals are transmitted to videoconditioning circuitry 309, which converts the analog video tocompressed digital video data as wireless communications path 109 has alimited bandwidth (e.g., 54 megabits/second) and is therefore limited tothe transmission of digital data. Thus, video conditioning circuit 309is necessary to enable transmission of video data in accordance with thesystem of the present invention. Video conditioning circuit 309preferably utilizes the compression method and hardware described in theaforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 10/898,001. This methodutilizes a compression algorithm that takes advantage of the spatial andtemporal redundancies typical of the video output of a remote computer.The method also utilizes algorithms that encode the red, green and bluecomponents of the video signal for transmission over a digitalconnection. The digitized and compressed video, which may be temporarilystored in buffer-out 315, are transmitted by wireless device 107 to WUST115 over wireless communications path 109 via access point 111.

Keyboard and cursor control device signals received from keyboard port305 and cursor control device port 307, respectively, are transmittedvia cable 103 to KVM port 301, whereupon the signals are sent to WCIMCPU 311. WCIM CPU 311 creates data packets based upon informationreceived from keyboard port 305 and cursor control device port 307.These data packets, which may be temporarily stored in buffer-out 315,are transmitted to WUST 115 by wireless device 107 utilizing TCP/IP datasent over wireless communications path 109 via access point 111.

Conversely, wireless device 107 receives data packets from WUST 115through wireless communications path 109 that contain data related to auser's utilization of keyboard 119 and cursor control device 121. Thesedata packets may be temporarily stored in buffer-in 313, and areultimately sent to WCIM CPU 311. WCIM CPU 311 interprets the datapackets received from WUST 115 and generates emulated keyboard andcursor control device signals. These emulated signals are sent to KVMport 301 through UART 317. Specifically, UART 317 converts data fromWCIM CPU 311 into a serial protocol understood by keyboard port 305 andcursor control device 307. One of skill in the art will recognize that asimilar method may be used for bi-directional communication between userworkstations 102 and 104 and remote devices 101.

WCIM 105 also contains memory unit 319, which stores identificationinformation for WCIM 105 and its connected remote device 101 includingthe assigned name, group, address, etc. This identification information,especially important in ad-hoc mode, is sent by wireless device 107 toWUST 115 for purposes of providing the user a list of available remotedevices 101. Further, the identification information can be utilized inthe routing of wireless data to the correct WCIM 105.

In the preferred embodiment, remote device 101 provides power to WCIM105. Thus, the equipment and cabling required for a dedicated WCIM powersource is eliminated saving space and money. Alternatively, WCIM 105 mayinclude a separate connector for connecting to a power supply or abattery pack.

Preferably, WCIM 105 is compatible with all commonly used computeroperating systems and protocols, including but not limited to thosemanufactured by Microsoft (Windows), Apple (Macintosh), Sun (Solaris),DEC, Compaq (Alpha), IBM (RS/6000), HP (HP9000) and SGI (IRIX).Additionally, local devices may communicate with remote computers via avariety of protocols including Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), AmericanStandard Code for Information Interchange (“ASCII”) and RecommendStandard-232 (“RS-232”).

WUST 115 and WCIM 105 also are compatible with, and preferablyimplement, encrypted or secure wireless transmission. Various standardsfor secure wireless transmission of data are known in the art. Forexample, the system of the present invention may utilize the wiredequivalent privacy (“WEP”) protocol, which adds security to WLANs basedon the 802.11 Wi-Fi standard. WEP is an OSI data link layer securitytechnology that can be turned “on” or “off.” WEP is designed to givewireless networks the equivalent level of privacy protection ascomparable wired networks. WEP is based on the RC4 security scheme thatutilizes a combination of secret user keys and system-generated values.The original implementations of WEP supported 40-bit encryption;however, newer versions have 128-bit (or better) encryption. Of course,other methods of ensuring secure wireless transmission of data can beutilized such as the WiFi Protected Access (WPA) protocol, theExtensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), the Advanced EncryptionStandard (AES), etc.

Next, FIG. 4 depicts the architecture of the wireless remote devicemanagement system in ad-hoc mode according to the present invention. Thesystem includes workstations 100 each having a WUST 115 coupled to akeyboard 119, video monitor 117, and cursor control device 121. EachWUST 115 includes a wireless communications device 113 that ispreferably an 802.11 compliant device, although other known standardsmay be utilized. User workstations 100 communicate directly with aplurality of remote devices 101, each directly connected to anassociated wireless computer interface module (WCIM 105). Each WCIM 105has a wireless communications device 107 to communicate with one of aplurality of WUSTs 115. Although shown as a desktop user workstation,one of skill in the art will recognize that user workstation 100 mayalso be a portable device such as a laptop, PDA, or tablet PC.Advantageously, utilizing a portable device enables a user to movearound within range of the remote devices and still maintain access andcontrol. A crash cart or mesh topology technique may easily beimplemented in such a setup.

During operation, WUST 115, using the wireless communications device113, communicates wirelessly with any one of the plurality of WCIMs 105.Specifically, WUST 115 transmits keyboard and cursor control devicesignals, preferably as TCP/IP data packets, over wireless communicationspath 109 to a select WCIM 105. Simultaneously, WCIM 105 transmitscompressed video data signals, also preferably as TCP/IP data packets,over wireless communications path 109 to WUST 115. Thus, the system ofthe present invention enables a user at user workstation 100 to view andcontrol any one of a plurality of remote devices 101 via wirelesscommunications path 109.

Although 802.11 compliant wireless communications is the preferredwireless standard for use with the present invention, other types ofwireless connections such as infrared communications or Bluetoothcompliant communications may be utilized, depending on the specificneeds of the system user. 802.11 compliant communications is preferredbecause it allows for the creation of a peer-to-peer wireless local areanetwork (“WLAN”), where devices (e.g., WUSTs 115) automatically discoverother devices (e.g., WCIMs 105) in the network.

In ad-hoc, any one of a number of user workstations 100 can connect withany one of a number of remote devices 101. By configuring all WCIMs 105and WUSTs 115 with the same service set identifier (SSID), WCIMs 105 andWUSTs 115 can automatically “discover” other devices within range ofcommunications. For many commercially available 802.11 compliantdevices, the maximum range of communications is, three hundred (300)feet.

The selection and control of remote devices 101 by user workstations 100is accomplished through a variety of methods. A menu or list ofavailable remote computers 117 is displayed on the screen of videomonitor 105. WUST 115 can utilize information provided by the wirelessnetwork to update the option menu displayed to the user with a list ofavailable remote computers. The option menu may also give the user theability to manually adjust video settings to improve the quality of thetransmitted video.

Referring next to FIG. 5, depicted is a flow chart that details theexchange of information between a WCIM 105 and WUST 115 in ad-hoc modenecessary to establish a connection between a user workstation 100(including WUST 115, keyboard 119, monitor 121, and cursor controldevice 121) and a remote device 101. The flow chart begins with WCIM 105(coupled to remote device 101) and WUST 115 (with associated keyboard119, monitor 117 and cursor control device 121) also entering the samenetwork (steps 401 and 403). Entering the network may simply entailcoming within a range of communications, being powered-on, etc. Asdescribed above, the 802.11 standard supports ad-hoc dynamic networkswhere wireless devices can automatically enter a wireless network.

In step 405, WCIM 105 sends a broadcast message 406 that preferablyincludes identification information related to its associated remotedevice 101. WCIM 105 may be configured to periodically send thesebroadcast messages to alert WUSTs 115 entering the network of theavailability of the associated remote device. Immediately after enteringthe network, WUST 115 enters a state in which it listens for thesebroadcast messages (step 407). Upon receipt of a broadcast message, WUST115 updates the list of available devices displayed to the user on videomonitor 117 (step 409).

In an alternative embodiment, WUSTs 115 send broadcast messages thatrequest responses from WCIMs 105. Upon receipt of the broadcast message,WCIM 105 responds with identification information about its associatedremote device 101. WUST 115 updates the list of available serversutilizing the identification information.

WUST 115 displays a list of available remote devices 101 to the user,which is updated upon detection of any WCIM 105 entering or leaving thenetwork (step 409). If the user selects a remote device 101 from thislist (step 411), WUST 115 sends a connection request 414 over thebroadcast channel (step 413). WCIM 105, which is in a waiting state(step 415), can deny the request or accept the request (step 417). Forexample, if the associated remote device 101 of WCIM 105 is undercontrol of a different WUST 115, WCIM 105 denies the request. If WCIM105 denies the request, a denial message is sent to WUST 115.

If WCIM 105 accepts the request, WCIM 105 sends an acknowledgmentmessage to WUST 115 (acknowledgment message 419). Once WUST 115 sendsconnection request 414, it enters a waiting state (step 421) where itremains until it receives acknowledgment message 419. Preferably,connection request 414 includes a channel ID, selected by WUST 115,through which WUST 115 and WCIM 105 communicate upon acceptance andacknowledgement of request 414. As described earlier, an advantage ofthe 802.11 standard is that it allows for multiple channels ofcommunication within the same network.

Upon acceptance of the connection, WCIM 105 sends acknowledgment message419 on the requested channel. WUST 115 then begins to transmit TCP/IPdata 424, which includes keyboard and cursor control device data fromkeyboard 119, and cursor control device 121 (step 423). WUST 115 sendsthis data over wireless communications path 109 to WCIM 105 through theselected channel. WCIM 105 receives the data and utilizes this data togenerate signals for the keyboard port 305 and cursor control deviceport 307 of the remote device 101.

WCIM 105 begins to receive video data from its associated remote device101. WCIM 105 receives the video data, digitizes the data, andcommunicates the data, preferably as TCP/IP data 422, through wirelesscommunications path 109 (step 421). This communication continues untilthe user of WUST 115 selects a different remote device 101 to control.

To choose a different remote device 101, a user at WUST 115 enters acommand on keyboard 119 or via cursor control device 121. This commandinstructs WUST 115 to display an option menu of available remote devices101 on monitor 117. The option menu includes a list of available remotedevices 101, as determined by the receipt of the broadcast messages fromassociated WCIMs 105 (step 409). As previously discussed, the optionmenu may also be a GUI, which can include groups and descriptions ofavailable servers, icons representing each server, etc. If the optionmenu is developed with software, it can have the look and feel of astandard environment (e.g., Windows, Macintosh, Java, etc). A user canselect a remote device 101 from the option menu, which initiatestransmission of a connection request (step 413) over the broadcastchannel.

FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the present invention, in which multipleremote devices 101 are interfaced to one composite WCIM 601. CompositeWCIM 601 is similar to WCIM 105, but with increased capabilities (e.g.,additional KVM ports and additional wireless devices). Advantageously,composite WCIM 601 enables the present invention to connect multipleremote devices 101 with minimal hardware.

Although the architecture of a composite WCIM 601 can vary, one exampleis shown in FIG. 7. Notably, composite WCIM 601 comprises similarcomponents to WCIM 105 (FIG. 3), including WCIM CPU 711, buffer-in 713,buffer-out 715, and memory 719. To accommodate multiple remote devices101 (three (3) are shown in FIG. 7, but more could be accommodated),composite WCIM 601 comprises multiple KVM ports 701, multiple UARTs 717and multiple video conditioning circuits 709. WCIM CPU 711 must have thecapability to receive input from multiple sources and memory 719 must becapable of storing identification information for each attached remotedevice 101. Finally, composite WCIM 601 may have multiple wirelessdevices 107 to increase available bandwidth for communication to WUSTs115 (FIG. 1).

While the present invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments and several alternative embodiments, whichembodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposesof making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments aremerely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent anexhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of theinvention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims.Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerouschanges may be made in such details without departing from the spiritand the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that thepresent invention is capable of being embodied in other forms withoutdeparting from its essential characteristics.

1. A system for providing wireless monitoring and control of remotedevices, said system comprising: at least one networking device; atleast one user workstation comprising a keyboard, video monitor, andcursor control device and which communicates with said at least onenetworking device via a first network; a plurality of remote devices;and a plurality of transceivers couple to at least one of said remotedevices for receiving and converting video signals from said remotedevices and for transmitting said converted signals to said at least onenetworking device via a second network; wherein said at least onenetworking device bi-directionally communicates with said plurality oftransceivers and said at least one user workstation; wherein said userworkstation transmits keyboard and cursor control device data from saidkeyboard and cursor control device to said at least one networkingdevice; and wherein each of said plurality of transceivers comprises awireless communications device.